Room lighting installation

ABSTRACT

A room lighting installation having a plurality of aligned Ushaped brackets interconnected and supporting three sets of rails each having rail sections aligned end to end, two of the sets of rails being at the bottom of the brackets and supporting horizontal light diffuser means, the third set of rails being positioned above one of the other sets and cooperating therewith in supporting panel means, each set of rails having additional ways for receiving alignment means.

[ 1 July4, 1972 United States Patent Zagel et al.

[54] ROOM LIGHTING INSTALLATION 3,471,981 10/1969 Segilet 3 033 981 5/1962 Kushner...... [72] Inventors. Samuel J. Zagel, Oak Park; Thomas H.

Pam), Niles, both ofm 3,007,036 10/1961 Mills, Jr.......

2,986,627 5/1961 Marriett......

6/1953 Janness [73] Assignee: Compco Corporation, Chicago, 111.

[22] Filed: Jan. 12, 1972 2,642,251 2,456,903 12/1948 Versen........,...................240/51.11R

211 Appl. N01: 217,357

Primary Examiner.loseph F. Peters s21 U.S.Cl.............................240/9R,52/28,240/5l.l1R, 240/52 R, 240/73 BA, 21 1/26 51 1m. 01. 21 02, F21v 21/34 [58] Field of Search ................240 2 BV, 9 R, s 1.11 R, 73 R, 240/73 LD, 73 BA, 78 R, 7:; LD, 52; 52/28, 39;

21 1,26; 248/343- horizontal light diffuser means, the third set of rails being positioned above one of the other sets and cooperating therewith [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS in supporting panel means, each set of rails having additional ways for receiving alignment means.

.240/9 R X 3 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PKTE'N'TEDJUL 4 I912 sum 2 or 2 NOE & a

ROOM LIGHTING INSTALLATION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention here has to do with room lighting, as exemplified by elongated florescent tubes. Over the years, many attempts have been made to give such lighting a built in effect. This has required expensive and extensive carpentry work, electrical work and the like. Further, once an installation is made, changing the decor is difficult and expensive.

The drawbacks of the prior art have been avoided and solved by the instant invention which provides a completely versatile assembly for valance or fascia installation. The structure of the invention gives an appearance of a continuous row and a built-in effect. At the same time, the inventive structure is versatile in that the panel and light diffuser portions of DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view, partially broken away to reveal details of construction of an embodiment of the invention; A

FIG. 2 is another perspective view on slightly larger scale than that shown in FIG. 1 and showing more clearly certain v details of a portion of the assembly.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views on enlarged scale of the three rail sections seen in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG.'6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1; and 7 FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the inventive construction mounted against a ceiling as contrasted to a wall.

In the illustration given, and with particular reference to FIG. 1 the numeral 10 designates generally a U-shaped mounted bracket. A plurality of such brackets are provided in the normal installation, other brackets being designated by the numerals 10d and 10b. Each bracket is U-shaped with the legs 11 and 12 projecting downwardly and being interconnected by a connective horizontally disposed section 13. In the normal wall installation (see FIG. 6) the leg 11 of the bracket 10 is suitably secured as by bolts 14 to the masonry wall 15. On the other hand, when ceiling installation is desired, the connective or bight portion 13 is secured by means of a nut and bolt arrangement generally designated 16 to the ceiling 17.

Desirably the brackets 10, 10a, 10b, etc. are disposed on 24 inch centers either along a wall or a ceiling 17. These are connected by three sets of rail sections (in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 6), the first set of rails being designated generally by the numeral 18, the second set generally by the numeral 19, and the third set by the numeral 20. Advantageously each rail set l8-20 is made up of a plurality of rail lengths each 12 feet long. For example, in the upper right hand corner of FIG. 1, a joint 21 is seen between a first rail section 180 and a second rail section 18b. It will be appreciated, however, that other lengths, particularly shorter lengths of rails may be employed when the room dimensions so dictate.

In the illustration given, the set of first rails 18 is seen to be secured to the bottom portion of the legs 12 of the various brackets 10. The second set of rails is secured also to the legs 12 but adjacent the upper portions thereof. The set of third rails is secured to the other let 11 of each bracket 10 also adjacent the let bottom.

A light source is provided within the bracket 10 by means of an elongated florescent tube' arrangement generally designated 21 as can be best appreciated from a consideration of FIGS. 2 and 6, the light source 21 is secured by means of mounting clamps 22 which are bolted to the leg 11. The same arrangement is seen in FIG. 7 where the light source 21 is clamped to the leg 12 and is further equipped with a plurality of sockets as at 23 for receiving flood lamps 24. Each of the rail sets 18-20 is removably fixed to the various brackets 10 by virtue of mounting clamps as at 25, 26 and 27, respectively (see FIGS. 2 and 6). Altemately, if desired, the clamps 25-27 can be provided integral with the rail sets 18-20.

Each of the rail sections 18a, 18b, etc. of the first rail set is equipped with three elongated ways as at 28, 29 and 30 (see FIG. 3). Advantageously, the first rail set sections 18 are constructed of extruded material such as aluminum or rigid plastic. The rail section 18 is seen to have a bottom portion 31 provided integral with three upstanding or vertical walls as at 32, 33 and 34. Each of the vertical walls 32 and 33 is equipped with an integral flange as at 35 and 36, respectively, which define the way 28. As can be readily seen from FIG. 2, the way 28 received an aligner plate or strip 37 which not only rigidities the overall rail 18 but insures alignment between consecutive sections 18a, 18b, etc.

Returning to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the bottom portion 31 cooperates with the upstanding wall 32 in defining the way 29. The way 29 provides a first support for a light diffuser grid generally designated 38 (see FIGS. 1, 6 and 7). As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, a second support for the grid 38 is provided by the way 39 of the third rail set 20 (compare FIGS. 1 and 4). I

Returning again to FIG. 3, the third way 30 is provided by the vertical walls 33 and 34 in combination with the bottom portion 31 and is essentially channel shaped in cross section. The way 30 provides a bottom support for a plurality of panel sections 40 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Advantageously, the panel sections 40 may be equipped with tongue and groove joints where longitudinally aligned sections abut. The panel sections 40 are stabilized and maintained in place as will be brought out in greater detail hereinafter relative to the second rail set 19 by virtue of a way 41 provided in the second rail set 19 (see FIG. 5).

Each vertical wall 33 (see FIG. 3) of the rail sections of the first set 18 is equipped at its upper extremity with a generally L-shaped flange designated 42. As can be appreciated from a consideration of the lower right hand portion of FIG. 6, the L- shaped flange 42 cooperates with the vertical wall 34 in stabilizing the lower portions of the panel sections 40. Still referring to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the vertical wall 30 is equipped with an inclined flange 43 which cooperates with the clamp 25 (see the lower right hand portion of FIG. 7) in securing the first set of rails 18 to the bottom portion of leg 12. The section of the rail 18 between the walls 32 and 33 and above the opposed confronting flange sections 35 and 36 defines a longitudinally extending channel immediately above the way 28 into which the bottom end of the leg 12 is received.

Turning now to FIG. 4 wherein the cross-sectional shape of the sections making up the third rail set 20 is seen, again we provide a bottom wall or portion which is designated 44. In installations, it is intended that the bottom portion 44 be essentially coplanar or horizontally aligned with the bottom section 21 (see FIG. 6). Thus, there is provided opposed supports for the diffuser grid 38.

Provided integral with the bottom portions 44 of the third rail set 20 are vertical walls 45 and 46. Each of these walls (see FIG. 5) is equipped with confronting integral flanges 47 and 48 respectively which define a second way 49 for the receipt of an alignment strip 50 (see FIG. 2). The vertical wall 46 is equipped with an inclined integral flange 51 (see FIG. 5) which is complementary to the inclined flange 43 on the vertical wall 32 of the rail section 18 (compare FIGS. 3 and 4). As can be seen from the central lower portion of FIG. 6, the inclined flange 51 cooperates with the clamp 27 for supporting the third rail section 20.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 7, the ways 29 and 39 (designated in FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively) are in confronting opposed relation and utilize parts of the bottom walls 31 and 44 to provide horizontally extending flanges. These flanges terminate at 21a and 44a respectively. Between the flange ends 31:: and 44a is less than the width of the light diffuser grid 38 so as to provide longitudinal edge support for the same. However, the spacing of the cooperating vertical walls 32 and 46 (which define portions of the ways 32 and 39) is greater than the width of the light diffuser grid so as to permit readily removability of the grid 38.

Referring now to FIG. 5 the rail sections 19 are seen to include a top wall or portion 52. Integral with this wall and projecting downwardly therefrom are three vertically depending walls 53, 54 and 55. The walls 53 and 54 define the previously referred to way 41 which cooperates with the way 30 in positioning the vertical panel sections 40. As is the case of the way 30, the way 41 has a channel shape defined by the walls 52-54. The walls 52 and 31 (on the rails 18 and 19, respectively) are spaced apart a distance greater than the width (or height) of the-panel sections 40 so as to provide a free space 56 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). However, the spacing of the wall 31 of the rail section 18 from the lower extremity 53a of the vertical wall 53 is less than the width of the panel sections 40. Thus, when the panel sections are installed as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ways 30 and 41 with their outer vertical walls 34 and 53, restrain the panel sections 40 against dislodgment. When it is desired to replace or repair panel sections 40, it is only necessary to move the same upwardly, taking up the free space 55,-and pivot the bottom edge of the panel sections outwardly over the wall 34. For this purpose, we position the rails 18 and 19 in such a fashion, in combination with the dimensions ,of the portions of the rails so that the spacing of the horizontal wall 52 from the upper extremity 34a of the outer wall 34 is greater than the width of the panel sections 40.

Again referring to FIG. 5, it will be seen that an additional way 57 is provided in the rail sections 19. For this purpose, the vertical wall 54 is equipped with an L-shaped flange 58 which is arranged in opposition to a depending flange 59 provided on the horizontal wall or portion 52. As can be readily seen from FIG. 2, the way 57 just described receives an alignment plate or strip 60, performinga function analogous to that of previously described alignment strips 50 and 37.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the middle vertical wall 54 at its lower extremity is equipped with an integral formed flange defining a hook shaped portion 61. As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the inclined portion 63of the flange part 61 is engaged bythe clamp 26. The third vertical wall 55 of the rail sections 19 is vertically aligned with the flange section 61 (see FIG. 5) is this is provided to insure proper alignment of the rail sections 19 as by abuting the bracket see particularly FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the illustration of the inventive construction (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6) the U-shaped brackets 10, 10a, 10b, etc. are bolted to the wall by means of the screw or bolt anchors l4. Thereafter the rail set 20 (the one immediately adjacent the wall) is secured loosely by means of the rail clamps 27.

After the last rail in the set 20 has been installed (after cutting to length), the clamps 27 are tightened so as to position the lower end of the leg 11- within the portion of the rail immediately above the alignment way 49. It will be appreciated that in the final installation, this arrangement will result in a total masking of the brackets;

Continuing with the installation, the light clamps 22 are installed on the leg 11 and the florescent light bar arrangements 21 are mounted between the clamp portions 22, after which the latter are tightened. Next the rail sections 19 and 18 are installed on their respective clamps in the fashion indicated with respect to the rail section 20. Thereafter the-plastic louver or grid 28 is installed and in like fashion the panel sections 40.

Essentially the same procedure is followed relative to the embodiment of the invention seen in FIG. 7 with the exception of the initial mounting of the U-shaped bracket 10 to the ceiling. Further, the ceiling installation of FIG. 7 utilizes, as shown, identical rail sections at the lower comers and at the upper corners, being symmetrical about a vertical center line.

With the inventive construction, the decor can be changed by readily removing decorative panel sections 40. Further, in certain instances the unit may be non-illuminative although the preferred form is to provide illumination. For illumination,

a florescent strip light of the nature shown is placed within the assembled structure either in continuous rows or intermittently as desired for illumination both upwards and downwards or either way. It will be appreciated that directional baffles or diffusers may be advantageously placed top the unit as well as the bottom as shown. Further, through the provision of the alignment means, the rail sections which retain the diffuser grids and panel sections are essentially continuous rows with the ends of each rail abuting the adjoining rail and aligned by internally concealed means so as to create a continuous effect without any visible external means of alignment.

I claim:

1. A room lighting installation comprising: a plurality of aligned brackets adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling at spaced intervals and having spaced apart depending legs,

a set of first rails secured to one of said legs of each of said brackets adjacent the leg bottom, said first rails being disposed in end-to-end relation,

a set of second rails secured to said one leg of each of said brackets adjacent the leg top and being disposed in endto-end relation,

a set of third rails secured to the other leg of each of said brackets adjacent the leg bottom and being disposed in end-to-end relation,

elongated light means secured to said brackets in positions between the bracket legs,

each of said first railshaving three elongated ways arranged in side-by-side relation,

each of said second and third rails having two elongated ways arranged in side-by-side relation,

alignment means received in one way of each set of rails,

the other way in each set of said third rails being in confronting relation with a second way of said first set of rails and constituting a support for light diffuser means,

elongated light diffuser means mounted on said support,

the other way in each set of said second rails being in confronting relation with a third way of said first set of rails and constituting a support for panel means, and elongated panel means mounted on the last mentioned support.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which each of the ways constituting said light diffuser means support includes a horizontally extending flange and a vertical wall with the spacing of the flanges of the confronting light diffuser means support ways being less than the width of said light diffuser means, the spacing of the vertical walls of the confronting ways being greater than the width of said light diffuser means whereby said light difiuser means are removably mounted in said light diffuser means support,

each of said vertical walls constituting a portion of the associated alignment means receiving way, each of the ways constituting said panel means support having a channel shape in transverse section including spaced apart outer and inner vertical walls and a joining horizontal wall with the spacing of the horizontal wall of the second rail panel-means support way from the upper extremity of the outer vertical wall of the confronting way in said first rail being greater than the width of said panel means, the spacing of the horizontal wall in the panel means support way of said. front rails from the lower edge of the outer vertical wall of the panel means support way of said second rails being less than the width of said panel means whereby said panel means are removably mounted in said panel means support, and each of said inner vertical walls constituting a portion of the associated alignment means receiving way.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which said horizontal wall in the panel means support way of said first rails is positioned below the bottom of said bracket legs whereby said panel means masks said brackets. 

1. A room lighting installation comprising: a plurality of aligned brackets adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling at spaced intervals and having spaced apart depending legs, a set of first rails secured to one of said legs of each of said brackets adjacent the leg bottom, said first rails being disposed in end-to-end relation, a set of second rails secured to said one leg of each of said brackets adjacent the leg top and being disposed in end-to-end relation, a set of third rails secured to the other leg of each of said brackets adjacent the leg bottom and being disposed in end-toend relation, elongated light means secured to said brackets in positions between the bracket legs, each of said first rails having three elongated ways arranged In side-by-side relation, each of said second and third rails having two elongated ways arranged in side-by-side relation, alignment means received in one way of each set of rails, the other way in each set of said third rails being in confronting relation with a second way of said first set of rails and constituting a support for light diffuser means, elongated light diffuser means mounted on said support, the other way in each set of said second rails being in confronting relation with a third way of said first set of rails and constituting a support for panel means, and elongated panel means mounted on the last mentioned support.
 2. The structure of claim 1 in which each of the ways constituting said light diffuser means support includes a horizontally extending flange and a vertical wall with the spacing of the flanges of the confronting light diffuser means support ways being less than the width of said light diffuser means, the spacing of the vertical walls of the confronting ways being greater than the width of said light diffuser means whereby said light diffuser means are removably mounted in said light diffuser means support, each of said vertical walls constituting a portion of the associated alignment means receiving way, each of the ways constituting said panel means support having a channel shape in transverse section including spaced apart outer and inner vertical walls and a joining horizontal wall with the spacing of the horizontal wall of the second rail panel means support way from the upper extremity of the outer vertical wall of the confronting way in said first rail being greater than the width of said panel means, the spacing of the horizontal wall in the panel means support way of said front rails from the lower edge of the outer vertical wall of the panel means support way of said second rails being less than the width of said panel means whereby said panel means are removably mounted in said panel means support, and each of said inner vertical walls constituting a portion of the associated alignment means receiving way.
 3. The structure of claim 2 in which said horizontal wall in the panel means support way of said first rails is positioned below the bottom of said bracket legs whereby said panel means masks said brackets. 